Russian think-tank rattles US
By Heather Maher
The first Russian think-tank based in the United States has yet to officially open its doors. But it's already generating a lot of controversy.
Critics say the Russian Institute for Democracy and Cooperation (RIDC) is little more than a new propaganda tool for the Kremlin as it sharpens its attacks on the West. But the head of the institute's New York branch says he and his colleagues intend to study US democracy - not criticize it...
Heather Maher is a senior correspondent in RFE/RL's Washington bureau. Previously, she was a senior editor and director of training at Transitions Online in Prague. She has also been a reporter for ABCNews.com, an international assignment editor at CNN, and the news editor of the Prague Post.
Russian profs to lecture West on democracy
28 January, 2008, 16:01
A Russian foundation devoted to democracy and human rights is setting up shop in the United States. The Moscow based Institute for Democracy and Co-operation has registered a New York branch along with one in Paris. But what is the organization all about? Is Russia trying to teach the West a lesson in democracy?
A Russian foundation devoted to democracy and human rights is setting up shop in the United States. The Moscow based Institute for Democracy and Co-operation has registered a New York branch along with one in Paris. But what is the organization all about? Is Russia trying to teach the West a lesson in democracy?
With very little information on the actual goals, the Institute for Democracy and Co-operation enjoys much scepticism among foreign experts and media who see it as just a propaganda tool.
The President of the Historical Perspective Foundation, Natalya Narochnitskaya, says the project will bring benefits.
“On the one hand it will help us to get a lot of useful information from the West so we can analyse the problems Russia faces. The Western experience in the field of human rights deserves respect, on the other hand we can also point out that it's not perfect,” Narochnitskaya said.
A number of programmes aimed at promoting democracy and civil society in Russia are sponsored by American non-governmental organizations. Some Russian experts as well as political officials doubt their good intentions.
To watch Andranik Migranyan’s interview with RT, follow the link.
http://csis.org/files/media/csis/pubs/0202qus_russia.pdf
Most Russian analyses of the May summits in Russia and in Italy were dubious about the long-term advantages for Russia. Though recognizing the importance of building good relations with the United States, few Russians are unwilling to do so at all costs. The Nezavisimoe Voyennoe Obozrenie, a defense-oriented weekly, asked of the summit: “is it surrender or transition to partnership?” “What partnership?” asks Andranik Migranyan, vice chair of the Reform Foundation, an independent Moscow-based think tank. “Americans understand partnership as the complete subordination of Russia to American interests” he says.
